The Page
Politics up to the Minute
Headlines from June 8th, 2008
Obama, McCain Reject NY/ABC Town Hall Offer
Both campaigns say they want their forums to be open to all media, and not sponsored by one news organization. Earlier: Mayor Bloomberg, ABC News invite Obama and McCain to participate in a town hall meeting at New York City's Federal Hall. Permalink
Bike Ride, Anyone?
Senator Obama joins his family and neighbors for a trip along Chicago's lake shore Sunday. Permalink
Obama Names Convention Coordinator
Political director Matthew Nugen will oversee the Denver convention on behalf of Obama's campaign. Read campaign release. Permalink
National Gas Average Hits $4
AAA says a gallon of gas is now $4 in 14 states and DC. Averages range from $3.80 in Missouri to $4.43 in California. Permalink
Bush: Obama Win a "Powerful Moment"
The President comments about an African-American winning the Democratic nod. Tells Italian TV: "I thought it was a really good statement, powerful moment... and it's good for our democracy that that happened.'' Also says: "I'm for McCain, and everybody knows that." Permalink
Huckabee to the Rescue
The former candidate performs the Heimlich maneuver on a choking political candidate in North Carolina. "He called me in the car as I was driving home to make sure I was OK." Permalink
Laura Bush in Afghanistan
The first lady makes a surprise visit to the remote province of Bamiyan. "We really need to stand more strongly with Afghanistan." Permalink
McCain's Feisty Campaign
Politico says resentment at Obama and the press is helping fuel the Arizonan's operation. Insider: "They’re mad at the situation and at a candidate who they correctly feel hasn’t earned his place in history." Permalink
DeLay's Wife Won't Support McCain
The wife of the former House GOP leader says she's backing libertarian candidate Bob Barr. One of a number of conservatives who appear wary of McCain. Permalink
Primary Post-Mortems
Clinton strategist Mark Penn offers the NY Times his view on why his client lost. Says the campaign ran low on money, should have confronted Obama sooner and should have better mobilized women and young people. Attempts to shoot down "myths" that she didn't show a warmer side and that Bill Clinton was a liability. Other retrospectives: --NY Times --Mark Halperin and John Harris --Ana Marie Cox --Christine Todd Whitman --Bob Kerrey --Michael Kinsley --L. Douglas Wilder --Heather Wilson --Michelle Cottle --Michael Crowley Permalink
Obama Gears Up for the General
NY Times: The nominee-to-be prepares biographical ads for what could be a huge 25-state ad campaign, as operatives get assigned full-time to Michelle Obama and to combat Internet rumors. Campaign moves to hire Ohio Gov. Strickland's chief political strategist, and may pick up former Clinton topper Solis Doyle. And Obama starts his 2-week economic tour in North Carolina, planning to use a populist economic message and a hefty campaign war chest to capture the state's independents, newcomers and Clinton voters. Other general election potpourri: --WashPost's Balz on Obama and McCain's coming attempts to shake up the electoral map. --WashPost: Iraq could define the McCain-Obama contest. --Chicago Trib: McCain, Obama study in contrasts. --WashPost on Obama's "blue-collar challenge." --LA Times on potential attacks against Obama on the crime issue. Permalink
Sign up for the daily email from The Page and get the very latest political news delivered directly to your inbox.
The Political Schedule
The Page on the Go
Read THE PAGE on your Mobile Device
Bookmark thepage.time.com on your mobile device for an easy to read version of Mark Halperin's The Page.
